African Cup Of National last edition runners-up Ghana will be hosting Mozambique in the first encounter of a double header AFCON qualifiers on Thursday.
Ghana search for continental trophy continues after they last won Africa biggest torunament in 1982 edition that took place in Libya. The Black Stars have appeared in 8 of the 9 edition that has taken place in the 21st century, and appeared in the finals twice in those 8 edition(i.e.2010, and 2015 Finals)
Mozambique on the hand have appeared 4 times in the 1st 30 edition of this tournament, and will be gunning for the 1st appearance in 6 years.
Form Comparison
Ghana have in their bag 6 points in 2 qualifier game, scoring 8 goals in the process and conceding once.
Mozambique have failed to win their first two clash of the qualifier, losing at home to Rwanda, and away to Mauritius.
Ghana: Team News
Ghana EPL based striker “Andre Ayew” won’t be available for the double header clash due to an ankle injury.
Ghana: Predicted Line-up (4-4-2):
Razak – Rahman, Mensah, Boye, Schlupp – Badu, Wakaso, Tetteh, Frank – Warris, Jordan.
Mozambique: Team News
Mozambique football federation appointed former Liverpool defender “Abel Xavier” as Mambas boss, the former Portuguese international replaced coach Boris Pucic in January.
Mozambique: Predicted Line-up (4-3-3):
Soares: Zainadine, Mexer, Dairo, Miro: Domingues, Hagi, Machaisse, Sonito, Calvaho: Reginaldo.
Ghana Vs. Mozambique: Head-To-Head-Stats
This two side last met in 1996 edition of the competition that took place in south Africa. The then black stars lead by the legendary Abedi Pele defeated the Os Mambas side.
Ghana Vs. Mozambique: Prediction
With no doubt, Ghana have great experience when it comes to the qualifying stage of this competition. The Black Stars have not drop points since the beginning of the qualifiers, and are currently ranked 4th in Africa compare to Mozambique’s 24th.
Even with the absence of Avram Grant’s top poacher “Andre Ayew” , the black stars should still ease pass the Os Mambas on Thursday.
